The Japanese have a deep appreciation of the landscape, and celebrate its seasons. Much Japanese poetry comments upon the details of nature as a means to illuminate the subtleties of human feeling.

However, my most significant personal influence has been the painters of the European tradition, especially from the period of the Impressionists.

But I suppose that it cannot be helped that I am unconsciously influenced by my Japanese cultural heritage, and the idea that painting should convey a feeling of the whole of life.